Name:
James Clasby
Political party:
Republican
Office I’m running for:
St Lucie County Commission District 1
Educational background:
FAU – M.P.A. Master’s Degree in Public Administration
FAU – Graduate Certificate in Public Procurement
FAU – B.A. Degree in Political Science
IRSC – A.A. Degree, John Carroll Catholic High School
Lincoln Park Academy Middle School
Fairlawn Elementary
Current occupation and work history:
Middle School Social Studies Teacher - Dan McCarty Middle School
Community Redevelopment Project Manager - Martin County
Facilities Project Manager - St Lucie County
Project Manager - Paradise Homes Group
Volunteer and civic engagement:
I have a long history of civic experience in St. Lucie County:
· SLC Commissioners Intern (2010)
· SLC Citizens Budget Committee (2011 – 2016), Vice Chairman
· SLC Planning and Zoning Commission (2014 – 2018), Vice Chairman
· SLC Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (2016 – 2018), Chairman
· Fort Pierce South Beach Association
Why I am running for office:
I am running for county commissioner because I am dedicated to enhancing St.
Lucie County for all our residents. As a lifelong resident and multiple-generation
native, I have a deep connection to our community and a strong desire to see it
prosper.
With extensive experience in local government and public service, I understand
our county’s unique needs and challenges. My focus is on managing growth
responsibly while ensuring that our infrastructure supports it, all while keeping
taxes low.
I am committed to being an accessible and proactive leader who prioritizes the
needs of our community over special interests. By emphasizing responsible
development, improving infrastructure, and fostering better communication
between the county and federal, state, and our local municipalities, I aim to make
St. Lucie County an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
What would be your top priority during your first year in office?
During my first year as county commissioner and in subsequent years, my top
priority will be to manage growth effectively while ensuring that our
infrastructure can support it and enhance the quality of life for existing residents.
Here’s how I plan to address these crucial issues:
1. Responsible Development: I will carefully evaluate new development
projects to ensure they do not outpace our infrastructure capabilities. This
includes assessing how new developments will impact our first responders,
landfill, boat ramps, parks, schools, and other public facilities. Our infrastructure
must be able to keep up with growth and meet the needs of our community
without raising taxes.
2. Infrastructure and Quality of Life: Improving infrastructure is vital not only
for accommodating growth but also for enhancing the quality of life for our
current residents. I will prioritize infrastructure projects that directly benefit our
existing community, focusing on necessary upgrades to roads and other public
facilities.
3. Enhanced Planning Processes: I will work to update our public notification
processes for new developments and strengthen the role of the Planning and
Zoning Commission. If the Commission recommends denying a project, this
recommendation should significantly impact the Board of County
Commissioners' final decision, ensuring a more thorough review process.
4. Increased Municipal Collaboration: Effective communication and
collaboration with local municipalities are essential. I will work to improve
coordination with our cities, building on the strong endorsements I have received
from the entire City of Port St. Lucie City Council and most of the Fort Pierce City
Commission. This will help ensure that all communities within St. Lucie County
have a voice in our development strategies.
By focusing on these priorities, I am committed to fostering responsible growth
and making St. Lucie County an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?
What distinguishes me from my opponent is my comprehensive experience in
local government combined with a deep-rooted commitment to St. Lucie County.
As a multiple-generation native, I bring a profound understanding of our
community’s unique needs and opportunities.
My extensive background working in St. Lucie County spans nearly two decades
and includes roles such as an intern for County Commissioner Chris Craft, Vice
Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Vice Chairman of the Citizens
Budget Committee, Chairman of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee,
Board Member of the Fort Pierce South Beach Association, and various project
management positions in both public and private sectors. I also teach at one of
the most challenging middle schools in the district. This diverse experience has
equipped me with a well-rounded perspective on managing growth,
infrastructure, and our community’s needs.
I am proud to have the endorsement of US Congressman Brian Mast,
Representative Dana Trabulsy, Representative Toby Overdorf, the entire City of
Port St. Lucie City Council, members of the Fort Pierce City Commission, the
Realtors Association, and the Treasure Coast Builders Association. These
endorsements reflect not only my strong relationships with local leaders but also
my ability to effectively collaborate with our municipalities, higher levels of
government, and community stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and
beneficial development strategies for our county.
In contrast to my opponent, I am committed to being highly accessible and
accountable to residents. My focus is on responsible development, enhancing our
quality of life, and improving communication between our county and all levels of
government—federal, state, and local. My goal is to prioritize the needs of our
community over special interests, ensuring that growth benefits all residents and
enhances our quality of life.
With my unique blend of local expertise and proven public service leadership
experience, I am ready to serve as a proactive and effective county commissioner.
About Me:
Paid for by James Clasby, Republican for St. Lucie County Commissioner, District 1